Ericsson and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have launched a three-year research and development (R&D) collaboration centered on three research projects to enhance telecommunication networks using cutting-edge technologies. The goal of the collaboration is to better understand the key characteristics and requirements of next-generation communication systems.
Professor Bradley, Vice President for Research at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Ericsson to develop novel architectures for future communication networks. As the demand for enhanced communications continues to expand globally, innovative technologies are increasingly needed to solve the major challenges of 5G and future 6G networks. KAUST faculty and facilities offer an empowering environment for this cutting-edge research partnership and we look forward to working closely with colleagues from Ericsson to address the key challenges.”
This agreement is a by-product of Stc’s Rawafed program’s vision to enable local content while contributing to the Kingdom’s ICT sector. Commenting on this agreement, Eng. Emad Alaoudah, Procurement and Support Services Vice President at stc, added:” Our partners and institutions play an important role in creating world-class networks for now and the future with a key role in empowering Saudi capabilities and development of the local high-tech industry. Collaboration is a critical part of this process and this agreement is an example of partnerships that can support Saudi Vision 2030’s digital transformation mandate.”
Magnus Frodigh, Vice President & Head of Ericsson Research at Ericsson says: “We are delighted to partner with KAUST as we believe an ecosystem of strong collaborative partnerships is important in enhancing communications networks. Our partnership with KAUST is part of our aspiration to encourage regional innovation by funding local research projects. By working together on fundamental research areas, our partnership with KAUST will help develop and grow the ICT sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and also help us meet the demands and opportunities of the 6G era.”
Ericsson and KAUST will use machine learning (ML) for frequency-selective wireless channels, with the goal of using deep learning to solve channel estimation and resource allocation problems for massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, as current optimization algorithms often have significant computational complexity and processing overhead. Furthermore, because future communication networks will place a greater emphasis on high data rates, low latency, and high security, Ericsson and KAUST will investigate transparent and flexible intelligent surfaces for increased communication in 5G and beyond.
The alliance will also concentrate on 6G capabilities, such as migrating to higher frequencies like Terahertz (THz) for faster data speeds. Ericsson and KAUST researchers will focus on backup solutions for THz communications to ensure continuous high-rate backhaul in congested 6G networks.
With ambitious communication technology goals in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the partnership between Ericsson and KAUST will study and anticipate the characteristics of the next generation of 6G communication systems, as well as provide future-proof, high-quality networks and solutions that will be critical to the country’s Vision 2030 realisation.
According to KAUST and Ericsson, the study output will make a significant contribution to the development of next-generation 5G and 6G networks. The outcomes of this collaboration will be published in top-tier publications and will contribute to the ICT research ecosystem. Furthermore, the exchange of students and researchers between KAUST and Ericsson Research in Sweden will improve knowledge, education, and training transfer.
Government-sponsored digital programs aiming at boosting technological innovation across the country will benefit greatly from Ericsson and KAUST’s research. It will also establish the framework for future communication research that will benefit the Kingdom to become an engine of innovation and creativity.
